The Canadian Paralympic Committee is profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Paralympian Gary Longhi at the age of 56. Gary was a pioneer in the sport of Para cycling in Canada and one of the nation’s most successful athletes for many years. He competed in four Paralympic Games (Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000), winning a silver medal in Barcelona before putting forth his most successful Games in Atlanta with a gold and bronze. He was a strong and proud representative of the Canadian Paralympic Movement and led his teammates into the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony as flag bearer.
A member of the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame, Gary was a phenomenal competitor and teammate, and an outstanding person who shared his expertise with others and treated everyone with kindness. He truly believed in the power of sport to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and he has made a lasting impact on Paralympic sport in Canada. Our thoughts are with all of Gary’s family and friends, in addition to the Para cycling and Para sport communities across the country.
